Zipcar Launches in Madrid

Zipcar has expanded its footprint in Spain by launching its service in Madrid under the Avancar car-sharing brand, which has been available in Barcelona since 2005.

Madrid’s launch is a further step in Zipcar's expansion across Europe, which already includes an established presence in the U.K., France and Austria, says the company. Madrid marks the 30th major city opening for Zipcar and follows its recent launch in Paris last month.

Prior to being acquired by Zipcar in 2011, Avancar has operated a car-sharing network in Barcelona since 2005.

"Today represents another important milestone for Zipcar by providing an alternative mobility solution to our Avancar members in Barcelona and Madrid,” said Massimo Marsili, Zipcar's European president. “We are excited to be launching our first wave of locations across the city today and aspire to a future where Madrid residents are never more than a 10 minute walk away from an Avancar."

Zipcar’s initial Avancar fleet in Madrid will include vehicles from European manufacturers such as Opel (Corsa, Vivaro), BMW (1 Series) and Peugeot (208, 308 and 308 hybrid), says the company.

Auto Focus Blog: A blog covering fleets, auto rental and the business of cars

Counter bypass is just the beginning. The promise of a “data-driven ecosystem” that connects renters with the rental agency, retail services, and even the city is a better managed fleet, an improved user experience, and new revenue opportunities during the rental itself.